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Fetal programming and eating disorder risk

Candace Jones1, Brad Pearce2, Ingrid Barrera3

  • 1University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Dade County, Miami, FL 33136, United States .

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|June 3, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Fetal programming links environmental factors during pregnancy to eating disorder risk later in life. Understanding obstetric and maternal factors can help prevent anorexia and bulimia in offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental psychology
  • Reproductive medicine
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Fetal programming explains how early life environment influences adult disease.
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, have complex etiologies.
  • Obstetric complications and maternal factors may play a role in eating disorder development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence connecting fetal programming to eating disorder etiology.
  • To identify specific obstetric factors associated with anorexia and bulimia risk.
  • To discuss modifiable maternal risk factors impacting offspring eating disorder risk.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed for studies on obstetric factors and eating disorders.
  • Analysis of thirteen studies published between 1999 and 2016.
  • Discussion of maternal nutrition and stress as modifiable risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a link between certain obstetric complications and increased risk of anorexia or bulimia.
  • Maternal nutrition and stress during pregnancy are identified as key modifiable factors.
  • The reviewed studies highlight the impact of the prenatal environment on eating disorder development.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal programming is a significant factor in the etiology of eating disorders.
  • Preventative strategies targeting maternal health are crucial for reducing eating disorder risk.
  • Health organizations and physicians can utilize these findings for early intervention and prevention.

Keywords:
AnorexiaBulimiaFetal developmentPrenatal

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